Crime & Safety
Pigs, Cats, Turtle Rescued From Middletown House Fire Wednesday
A fire broke out Wednesday morning in a private Middletown home that housed dozens of rescue animals, including several pigs.
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — A fire broke out Wednesday morning in a private Middletown home that housed dozens of rescue animals, including several pigs, a turtle, and many cats.
However, thanks to the efforts of Middletown's all-volunteer firefighters and Middletown Animal Control, all of the animals survived the fire. The cause of the fire is not immediately known.
The fire occurred in the basement of a home on Chapel Hill Road. At 9:26 a.m., the homeowner called 911 to report a fire in the wall of the basement laundry room. None of the animals were in the basement where the fire originated.
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A 400-pound pig was inside the home, as was a turtle, and volunteer firefighters got both out. The other pigs were in the backyard and not affected by the fire.
The resident said they tried to use fire extinguishers, but were unable to put out the fire. The homeowner also said "the house had many hospice animals," according to the fire department.
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
When firefighters got there, they found heavy fire in the basement.
MTFD Deputy Chief John Waltz requested back-up and all fire was found and extinguished.
None of the animals suffered smoke inhalation.
Most of the cats were able to get out of the house safely. Seven of the cats were in a part of the home that wasn’t impacted by the fire, so they did not need to be removed.
The fire was placed under control at 9:56 a.m.; all units were cleared from the scene at 11:06 a.m.
Approximately 45 firefighters from five companies of the Middletown Township Fire Department responded to the call from Navesink, Community, Middletown Fire Company No.1, River Plaza Hose and Lincroft fire companies. Middletown Animal Control was also at the scene to help rescue the animals. Additionally the MTFD Air Unit, Fire Police and the Safety Unit also responded.
No firefighter injuries were reported.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Contact this Patch reporter: Carly.Baldwin@patch.com
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
